October 31st, 2025

Pearson Fuels last week joined fuel, business, energy, and convenience industry leaders in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural CA/DC Energy Summit, hosted by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). With California facing refinery closures, tight fuel supplies, and rising costs, the coalition urged federal action to keep energy reliable and affordable across the West Coast. 

Why it matters:

Refining capacity at risk: The Phillips 66 Wilmington shutdown and the planned 2026 Valero Benicia closure could reduce in-state refining capacity by almost 20%, causing prices to skyrock and supply issues to unfold.

National implications: Speakers—including Reps. Vince Fong and Kevin Kiley—underscored that California’s energy stability affects neighboring states, trade routes, and national security.

Industry partners had many goals during this summit; one being to advance lower-carbon liquid fuels now, like renewable E85, to cut emissions while keeping costs in check.

Pearson Fuels met with Growth Energy and the National Corn Growers Association to advance E85 policy, and visited with the offices of Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Rep. John Garamendi (CA-08) to emphasize E85’s role in near-term emissions reductions and price stability.

Key takeaway: California’s energy issues are a national challenge. Pearson Fuels continues working with CFCA and federal partners to strengthen supply, stabilize fuel prices, and expand access to lower-carbon E85 in order to better serve our customers.